Origin & Meaning of the Light Surname
What does the last name Light mean?
The surname Light carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 16,769 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Light ranks as the #2,164 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Light come from?
The Light surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Light name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Light trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Light |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,164 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,769 |
| Per 100K People | 5.68 |
| First Letter | L |
Ethnic Distribution of Light
According to the US Census, the Light surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,769 Americans with the Light last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.59% |
| Black | 2.77% |
| Hispanic | 2.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.97% |
| Native American | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 1.44% |
Popularity of Light Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Light surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Light surname increased by 98 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Light
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Light.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Light.
Frequently Asked Questions About Light
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